VALE JOAN BOURNE

FROM ORIENTEERING QUEENSLAND E-NEWS

In very sad news for family and friends, Australia’s oldest orienteer, Joan Bourne, passed away peacefully in late June, just two months shy of her 101st birthday.

Joan had been in an aged care facility in Stanthorpe after living independently at home until she was 99. Her involvement in orienteering and her healthy and active lifestyle no doubt contributed to her longevity. She was competing in orienteering events well into her late eighties and won her age class at the Australian Championships from 1991 to 1996. Joan and her late husband, John, were amongst the pioneers of orienteering in Queensland, were foundation members of the Toohey Forest Club and played a major role in establishing the Bullecourt Boulder Bounders Club. They were active helpers and supporters of BBB events for decades. Joan and John also competed in Scotland at the Scottish 6 days for several years with Joan placing 2nd in 1991. Their five children all became hooked on orienteering from an early age and the family participated (and placed) in many state, interstate and national championships. Their descendants are still making a mark on the sport being involved in mapping, controlling and organizing many major events. Daughter Liz remains the stalwart of the BBB club, while younger daughter Jenny remains the Australian benchmark of orienteering prowess in her age group. Two of Joan’s grandchildren, Belinda and Ian Lawford, have been members of Australia’s JWOC team while the children of grandson, Mark Bourne, are also now starting to participate at events. These generations of orienteers really demonstrate that the sport is truly one for life. Joan and John retired to The Summit outside Stanthorpe from Brisbane in 1984 to a rural residential property where Joan continued an active lifestyle of gardening, birdwatching and involvement in local community and craft groups as well as helping out at BBB events. Daughter, Liz, also lives near Stanthorpe and fortunately was able to be with her mother in her final hours. Her passing leaves her family and friends with some wonderful memories of a life well lived. Because of Covid restrictions preventing family members from coming to Queensland, a memorial service has been delayed until more are able to travel but will probably be held towards the end of August. We send our deepest condolences to the whole Bourne Family on their loss. Joan’s warmth and contribution to orienteering will be long remembered.